Nature paper reveals platypus and echidna genomes feature mammalian biology and evolution
International researchers join Environment Institute members in solving the mystery of听Australia鈥檚 most ancient living mammals
The research featured in . includes the first complete genetic code of the echidna and a better quality code for the platypus. Environment Institute member Professor said the two genomes would provide new insights into the unique biology of egg-laying mammals called monotremes and their place in evolution.
The information will also enable scientists to develop tools to assess population genetics and diversity. 鈥淲ith fires, floods and droughts, both platypus and echidna numbers will continue to decline and there is a lot of discussion about updating their conservation status, but this requires scientific backing,鈥 Prof Grutzner said, noting the Kangaroo Island echidna was already listed as endangered.
Knowledge of monotreme reproduction was also relevant for conservation and captive-breeding programs, he said. A joint co-author of the study, 成人大片鈥檚 Dr , said the genetic code of the monotremes contained more than a few surprises.
The international effort involved Australian scientists from the universities of Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and LaTrobe University, as well as researchers from China, Japan, the US and Denmark. LaTrobe University鈥檚 Professor Jenny Graves said: 鈥淲e last shared a common ancestor with the platypus and echidna about 180 million years ago.鈥 Comparing the genomes would explain 鈥渙ur common ancestor鈥 and what has changed in humans over that time period, she said.
Original article featured in
The research featured in . includes the first complete genetic code of the echidna and a better quality code for the platypus. Environment Institute member Professor said the two genomes would provide new insights into the unique biology of egg-laying mammals called monotremes and their place in evolution.
The information will also enable scientists to develop tools to assess population genetics and diversity. 鈥淲ith fires, floods and droughts, both platypus and echidna numbers will continue to decline and there is a lot of discussion about updating their conservation status, but this requires scientific backing,鈥 Prof Grutzner said, noting the Kangaroo Island echidna was already listed as endangered.
Knowledge of monotreme reproduction was also relevant for conservation and captive-breeding programs, he said. A joint co-author of the study, 成人大片鈥檚 Dr , said the genetic code of the monotremes contained more than a few surprises.
鈥淭he system for safe removal of the oxygen carrier, haemoglobin, from blood was thought to be common to all mammals,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e were surprised when we discovered the system was missing from monotremes, implying that it arose quite recently in the ancestry of all other mammals.鈥
The international effort involved Australian scientists from the universities of Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and LaTrobe University, as well as researchers from China, Japan, the US and Denmark. LaTrobe University鈥檚 Professor Jenny Graves said: 鈥淲e last shared a common ancestor with the platypus and echidna about 180 million years ago.鈥 Comparing the genomes would explain 鈥渙ur common ancestor鈥 and what has changed in humans over that time period, she said.
Original article featured in
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